GM did a ride and drive event at the local car show today and I got to drive both a Cruze LTZ and a Camaro SS.
In summary, the Cruze really impressed me. This car should be a hit here.
Exterior: There is really no doubting that this car looks much better than any 'compact' car GM has put out in some time or ever. I don't see how any average joe would be ashamed of driving around in it. I'll include the trunk and rear folding seats here. The trunk is a decent size and I appreciate the folding seats, I expect it in a sedan these days...
Engine: This was what I was most interested in. I currently drive a smaller turbo engine and I've yet to experience a turbo ecotec engine but I've heard good things. This engine delivers. It feels bigger than it is and never seems to strain. No, it doesn't force back into your seat on full throttle but it has plenty of get up and go. While it may shift higher, the car is quiet. You don't hear the motor buzzing away. I wouldn't hesitate to DD a car with this particular engine.
Transmission: As one would expect from a modern 6 spd automatic, the shifts were smooth. I had no problem with where the car shifted. I tried the manumatic mode but it wasn't really worth it with this car. Wouldn't use it if I had one.
Handling: One big flaw in my mind and maybe this isn't limited to the Cruze (as far as newer cars go). The steering. It had zero weight and was quite uncommunicative. Yeah it went where you wanted it to go but I would still expect better. However, the car felt tight enough as far as this segment is concerned.
Interior: One of the best that GM has ever put out in one of its mass production cars if not the best. Naturally I was driving a well optioned Cruze but the car felt much more european than it had any right to. Also, this car is very roomy. It may be in the compact segment but let me tell you, it felt like a midsize car. My friend was in the back seat behind me when I drove and she had no complaints with leg room but I am not the tallest and she is relatively short. Would this car comfortably carry four 6ft+ men around? Not necessarily, but it would do it better than other compacts no question. The seats were comfortable and supportive but a long term drive would be the only way to know how good they really are.
I think that about covers it. Anyone shopping in the corolla, civic, forte, etc segment absolutely needs to look at this car. This isn't old GM...this is new GM.
And speaking of other cars: The Mazda2 had impressive interior room for the driver/passenger. The fully optioned Kia Optima looked nothing like a Kia inside or out. And I still want an Audi S4.